This Is The Friendliest Small Town in South Carolina
Beaufort, the second-oldest town in South Carolina, has been perfecting Southern hospitality for centuries. Founded in 1711 by English settlers, the town quickly gained attention and became a popular summer retreat by the 19th century. Today, Beaufort keeps things easygoing, think waterfront strolls at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and weekends that revolve around can’t-miss traditions like the Beaufort Oyster Festival. If you are ready to be welcomed with a smile, a bowl of warm crab soup, and a charming game of cornhole, Beaufort is the friendly town you have been searching for.
The Culture & People
The Gullah are African Americans in the Lowcountry of Georgia and South Carolina, known for preserving African cultural traditions and an English-based Creole language shaped by African influences. In Beaufort, their heritage lives on through storytelling, music, cuisine, crafts, folk beliefs, and agricultural practices. A top way to experience this culture is at Beaufort’s annual Original Gullah Festival. The event features hands-on workshops, like basket weaving, quilting, drumming, and instrument making, along with lectures and discussions that deepen understanding of Gullah history and identity. Festival performances include drumming, live bands, dancing, choirs, and historical reenactments.
Annual Events & Festivals
In addition to The Original Gullah Festival, numerous cultural events and festivals bring Beaufort’s community together each year. The Beaufort Oyster Festival kicks off the year’s festivals, offering a variety of oyster preparations, an Oyster Boogie 5K, a cornhole tournament, and plenty of live music. Beaufort’s International Film Festival follows in February and features several days of local and international film screenings, followed by conversations with the filmmakers, forums, and speakers. For a taste of the area’s best dishes, be sure to attend the Taste of Beaufort festival in May, where you can sample signature plates from local restaurants.
Interested in discovering emerging local talent? The Lowcountry Music Festival in June offers a great chance to explore new artists, showcasing performances from all musical genres native to the region. In October, visitors can savor freshly caught shrimp and try various unique shrimp recipes at the Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival. The festival also features an arts and crafts market, providing an opportunity to find special souvenirs.
Nearby Beaches and Water Recreation
Situated on Port Royal Island in the heart of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, Beaufort offers convenient access to numerous beaches and water-based recreational activities. With so much natural beauty to enjoy, it is no wonder this small community of 14,000 embraces such a relaxed pace of life. Sands Beach, just a little over a 10-minute drive from town, is the closest beach. Free and open to the public during the day, it’s a popular spot for both residents and tourists, offering activities like kite flying, sunbathing, and even shark tooth hunting along the shore. Hunting Island State Park requires a bit more of a drive, but it is well worth the visit. This state park is, by far, South Carolina’s most popular, attracting over one million visitors annually. Throughout the park, travelers can explore thousands of acres of maritime forest and marsh, an ocean inlet, and a saltwater lagoon. There is also lots of marine wildlife to keep your eye out for.
For those eager to get on the water, Beaufort Kayak Tours offers guided excursions, taking visitors through salt marshes at low tide right in downtown Beaufort. They’ll even let you hop in the water when the weather is warm. A trip to Beaufort wouldn’t be complete without spotting a dolphin. Consider booking a tour with Beaufort Dolphin Adventures, which takes travelers out on a cruise through the town’s waterways, passing by wild dolphins and remote beaches.
Culinary Scene
During weekends, especially on warm, sunny days, restaurants become central gathering spots for the community, often holding significant cultural importance. Lady’s Island Dockside, for instance, has been providing delicious food and hospitality to locals since 1990. Although its original site closed in 2015 due to water damage, the Lady’s Island branch continues to operate proudly in Beaufort, offering scenic water views and signature dishes such as crab soup and New England clam chowder. Bricks on Boundary is another very popular venue, featuring American cuisine and a quirky vibe, with unique decor like state license plates hanging on the terrace. Craving a country-style brunch? Blackstone’s Cafe, open until 2 pm daily, serves some of the best southern breakfasts around, including cajun shrimp & grits and corned beef hash brisket.
Final Thoughts
Many visitors come to Beaufort to enjoy its natural beauty, but they are often equally struck by its warm southern hospitality. The town's charm is built on long-standing restaurants, lively oyster festivals, and a vibrant Gullah community, all of which foster connection and preserve its lively spirit. While friendly communities are common throughout South Carolina, Beaufort's distinctive warmth sets it apart as one of the most welcoming.
